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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 02, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Asked by Anonymous - May 02, 2024Hindi
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Hi sir My age is 27 and I am currectly investing 1 lakh sip in following mutual funds .I am investing 20k in qaunt small cap 20k nippon india small cap ,10k quant midcap , 10k hdfc midcap oppur , 10k paragh felxi , 10 quant flexi , 10k quant active , quant infrastructure 10k. I am looking for retiring at the age of 45 with 10 crores . And i am currently having 60 lakhs fixed desposit . Is my investment stratergy correct . Kindly advise .

Ans: Your investment strategy shows a diversified approach, which is commendable. However, achieving a retirement corpus of 10 crores by age 45 might require a more aggressive investment approach. Consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner to tailor your portfolio and ensure it aligns with your retirement goals and risk tolerance. Additionally, review your asset allocation to balance risk and potential returns effectively. Remember, investing is a journey, and periodic reassessment and adjustments are essential to stay on track towards your financial objectives.
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 30, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 28, 2023Hindi
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Hi Dev, i am looking to build a retirement corpus of around 10 cr. and have started investing from the last few months in mutual funds. My age is 41 years and looking to retire by 60. I am doing a monthly SIP of about 80k in the below mutual funds and aim to step up at 10% every year: 1. Hdfc flexi cap - 15k 2. Parag Parekh flexi cap - 15k. 3. Nippon india large cap fund - 10k 4. Nippon india growth fund - 10k 5. SBI magnum mid cap fund - 5k 6. Hdfc micap oppurtunities fund - 5k 7. Nippon india small cap fund - 20k I have a moderate to high risk appetite with an investment horizon of about 20 yrs. Please advise if my investments are in the correct funds or if any changes are needed. Thanks
Ans: Constructing a Robust Mutual Fund Portfolio for Retirement Planning

Assessment of Current Portfolio:

Your investment strategy reflects a proactive approach towards building a substantial retirement corpus. Diversifying across different mutual fund categories is a prudent move considering your moderate to high risk appetite.

Evaluation of Fund Selection:

Flexi Cap Funds:

HDFC Flexi Cap and Parag Parikh Flexi Cap are suitable choices offering flexibility to invest across market capitalizations.
These funds capitalize on growth opportunities across sectors, enhancing portfolio diversification.
Large Cap Funds:

Nippon India Large Cap Fund provides exposure to well-established companies with stable growth prospects.
It adds stability to your portfolio while capturing potential gains from large-cap stocks.
Growth Funds:

Nippon India Growth Fund focuses on companies with strong growth potential across sectors and market capitalizations.
It complements your investment strategy by targeting capital appreciation over the long term.
Mid and Small Cap Funds:

SBI Magnum Mid Cap Fund, HDFC Mid Cap Opportunities Fund, and Nippon India Small Cap Fund offer exposure to mid and small-cap segments.
These funds have the potential to deliver higher returns but come with higher volatility, suitable for your risk appetite and long investment horizon.
Assessing Investment Strategy:

SIP Amount and Step-up Approach:

Your current SIP allocation of Rs. 80,000 is substantial and aligns well with your goal of building a retirement corpus of Rs. 10 crore.
Implementing a step-up approach at 10% annually enhances your savings rate, accelerating wealth accumulation over time.
Investment Horizon and Risk Appetite:

With a moderate to high risk appetite and a 20-year investment horizon, your portfolio is appropriately positioned to withstand market volatility and capitalize on long-term growth opportunities.
Regular monitoring and periodic rebalancing will ensure alignment with your changing financial goals and risk tolerance.
Recommendations for Portfolio Optimization:

Review and Rebalance:

Periodically review your portfolio's performance and rebalance asset allocation based on changing market conditions and investment objectives.
Consider increasing exposure to sectors or funds showing promising growth prospects while reducing allocation to underperforming segments.
Continued Diversification:

Explore opportunities to further diversify your portfolio by adding exposure to thematic funds or sectors showing strong growth potential.
Maintain a balanced mix of equity funds across market capitalizations to mitigate concentration risk.
Conclusion:

Your investment strategy demonstrates a proactive approach towards achieving your retirement goal. By diversifying across mutual fund categories and implementing a systematic investment plan with a step-up approach, you are well-positioned to accumulate a substantial corpus over the next two decades.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 18, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 24, 2024Hindi
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Hi Ulhas sir,I am 40 years old, my goal is retirement with 5 cr. I am investing 25k through SIP in the following Funds. 5k- icici pru bharat 23fof 5k-motilal oswal mid, 5K-Quant large and mid, 5k-Nippon Small cap 5k-Quant small cap, All Direct Funds. Investment Horizon - 20 to 22 Years. Goal -please check my portfolio,Wealth Creation, Risk Appetite- High. Please advise if I should pause or continue with these mutual funds.
Ans: You've chosen direct MFs, which can be a cost-effective way to invest. However, there are some things to consider:

Strengths of Your Portfolio:

Diversification: Your portfolio has a good mix of funds across market capitalizations (large, mid, small). This helps spread risk and capture growth potential across different sectors.

High Risk Appetite: Given your high-risk appetite, the small-cap allocation provides the chance for potentially higher returns, but also comes with higher volatility.

Direct vs. Regular Funds:

Lower Cost: Direct MFs eliminate advisor fees, resulting in a lower expense ratio. This can potentially lead to higher returns over the long term.

Do-It-Yourself Approach: Direct MFs require you to research and select funds yourself. You'll also need to monitor your portfolio and make investment decisions independently. Actively managed funds involve experienced fund managers who try to pick stocks to outperform the market. Actively managed funds come with higher fees compared to passively managed funds.

Areas for Potential Review (with a CFP):

Asset Allocation: A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can analyze your risk tolerance and investment horizon in detail. They can recommend an ideal asset allocation between equity and debt funds to optimize your portfolio for your retirement goal.

Fund Selection: While your chosen funds are from reputable fund houses, a CFP can assess their performance history, investment strategies, and fees to ensure they align with your goals.

Benefits of a CFP:

Personalized Plan: A CFP can create a comprehensive retirement plan considering your income, expenses, existing investments, and risk profile.

Expert Guidance: They can provide valuable insights on investment strategies, asset allocation, and navigating market volatility.

Remember:

Market Fluctuations: The stock market is volatile. Stay invested for the long term to ride out market ups and downs.

Regular Review: Review your portfolio (at least annually) with your CFP to ensure it remains aligned with your evolving goals.

Overall, you've built a good foundation! Consulting a CFP can help fine-tune your portfolio and potentially maximize your chances of achieving your retirement goal.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 21, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 18, 2024Hindi
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Hi sir, I am 40 years old, my goal is retirement with 5 cr. I am investing 30k through SIP in the following Funds. All Direct Funds. Investment Horizon - 20 to 22 Years. please check my portfolio,Wealth Creation, Risk Appetite- High. Please advise if I should pause or continue with these mutual funds. 1..parag parikh flexi cap 6k 2..kotak multicap 6k 3..quant large and mid cap 6k 4..quant mid cap 6k 5..nippon india small cap 6k
Ans: Evaluation of Mutual Fund Portfolio for Long-Term Wealth Creation

Your mutual fund portfolio demonstrates a thoughtful approach to long-term wealth creation, considering your high-risk appetite and investment horizon. Let's delve into the analysis and explore the advantages of diversification, active fund management, and potential considerations for optimizing your portfolio.

Portfolio Analysis

The portfolio comprises a well-diversified mix of actively managed equity funds across various market segments, including flexi-cap, multi-cap, large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds. This diversified allocation helps spread risk and maximize growth opportunities, aligning with your aggressive investment strategy.

Benefits of Diversification

Diversifying across different fund categories mitigates concentration risk and enhances the potential for consistent returns. By investing in funds with varying investment styles and market capitalizations, you're positioned to capitalize on opportunities across different market segments while reducing vulnerability to specific market movements.

Active Fund Management Advantage

Your preference for actively managed funds underscores the belief in skilled fund management and the potential for generating alpha over passive index funds. Active fund managers have the flexibility to capitalize on market inefficiencies, adjust portfolios based on changing market dynamics, and potentially outperform the benchmark indices over the long term.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds over Regular Funds through MFDs

While direct funds offer lower expense ratios compared to regular funds, investing through a Certified Financial Planner or Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) offers several advantages:

Professional Guidance: MFDs provide personalized advice and guidance tailored to your financial goals and risk profile, helping you make informed investment decisions aligned with your objectives.

Research and Due Diligence: MFDs conduct thorough research and due diligence to select suitable funds, saving you time and effort in identifying and analyzing investment options.

Portfolio Monitoring: MFDs offer ongoing portfolio monitoring and rebalancing services, ensuring your investments remain aligned with your financial goals and market conditions.

Transaction Support: MFDs assist with transaction-related tasks such as fund selection, investment execution, and documentation, simplifying the investment process and minimizing administrative burden.

Wealth Creation Potential

Given your long-term investment horizon and aggressive risk appetite, your portfolio has significant wealth creation potential. Equity investments, especially in actively managed funds, have historically delivered higher returns over extended periods, provided investors remain invested through market cycles.

Potential Considerations

Periodic Review: Regularly review the performance of individual funds in your portfolio and assess whether they continue to meet your investment objectives and expectations.

Rebalancing: Monitor the asset allocation of your portfolio and rebalance if certain funds deviate significantly from their target weights. Rebalancing helps maintain the desired risk-return profile and prevents overexposure to specific market segments.

Stay Informed: Stay informed about macroeconomic trends, regulatory changes, and market developments that may impact your investments. Continuous monitoring and informed decision-making are crucial for long-term investment success.

Final Advice

In conclusion, your mutual fund portfolio is well-structured and aligned with your long-term financial goals. While direct funds offer cost advantages, consider leveraging the expertise of a Certified Financial Planner or MFD for personalized guidance and support. By staying disciplined, informed, and focused on your objectives, you're well-positioned to achieve substantial wealth accumulation and financial security over the long term.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 04, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 19, 2024Hindi
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Hello sir,I am 40 years old, my goal is retirement with 5 cr. I am investing 30k through SIP in the following Funds. Jm flexi cap-6k Kotak multi cap-6k motilal oswal mid-6k Quant large and mid-6k Nippon Small cap-6k All Direct Funds. Investment Horizon - 20 to 22 Years. Goal -please check my portfolio,Wealth Creation, Risk Appetite- High. Please advise if I should pause or continue with these mutual funds. Pramod shukla -40 year
Ans: At 40, retirement planning is crucial. Your goal of Rs. 5 crore is achievable with disciplined investing. You've chosen a set of mutual funds and invest Rs. 30,000 per month through SIP. Your investment horizon is 20-22 years, and you have a high-risk appetite.

Portfolio Assessment
Diversification: You've spread your investments across flexi-cap, multi-cap, mid-cap, large and mid-cap, and small-cap funds. This diversification is good, as it balances growth and risk.

Risk Alignment: Given your high-risk appetite, investing in mid-cap and small-cap funds is suitable. These funds have the potential for higher returns, although they carry more volatility.

Investment Horizon: With a 20-22 year horizon, your portfolio has the time to recover from market fluctuations. This makes it more likely to achieve your Rs. 5 crore goal.

Consideration of Direct Funds
Disadvantages of Direct Funds: Direct funds might seem cost-effective due to lower expense ratios. However, managing them without professional guidance can be risky. Market conditions and fund performance require regular monitoring, which might be challenging without expert support.

Benefits of Regular Funds: Investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) who holds a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credential can offer professional advice. Regular funds may have slightly higher costs, but the guidance provided can be invaluable in maximizing returns and minimizing risks.

Evaluating Fund Categories
Flexi-Cap Fund: Flexi-cap funds provide flexibility across market capitalizations. This adaptability helps in capturing growth in different market phases.

Multi-Cap Fund: Multi-cap funds are similar to flexi-cap but with a more balanced approach. They invest across large, mid, and small-cap stocks, providing a diversified growth opportunity.

Mid-Cap Fund: Mid-cap funds can offer higher returns but come with greater volatility. Since you have a long-term horizon and high-risk appetite, this choice aligns well with your goals.

Large and Mid-Cap Fund: This fund combines the stability of large-cap stocks with the growth potential of mid-cap stocks. It can provide a balanced risk-return profile, suitable for long-term wealth creation.

Small-Cap Fund: Small-cap funds are the most volatile but can offer significant returns over the long term. Given your high-risk tolerance and extended investment horizon, including a small-cap fund is appropriate.

Suggestions for Your Portfolio
Continue Investments: Your current portfolio is well-diversified and aligns with your risk appetite and financial goals. Continue with your SIPs, but consider reviewing your investments periodically.

Switch to Regular Funds: Given the complexity of managing direct funds, it may be wise to switch to regular funds. A CFP can provide valuable insights, optimize your portfolio, and help you stay on track to achieve your Rs. 5 crore goal.

Monitor Performance: Regularly review your portfolio's performance. Market conditions change, and periodic adjustments might be necessary. Professional guidance will ensure that these adjustments align with your long-term goals.

Wealth Creation Strategy
Systematic Approach: Continue with your SIPs consistently. The power of compounding will work in your favor over the 20-22 year horizon.

Risk Management: While you have a high-risk appetite, it's essential to manage this risk effectively. Diversification, as you've done, is key, but regular monitoring and adjustments are equally important.

Professional Guidance: Consider consulting a CFP who can provide personalized advice. They can help you optimize your investments, ensuring that you achieve your Rs. 5 crore goal with minimal stress.

Final Insights
Portfolio Strength: Your current portfolio is strong and well-aligned with your goals. Continue investing but consider switching to regular funds for professional guidance.

Long-Term Focus: Keep your long-term goal in mind. Stay consistent with your investments and seek periodic advice from a CFP.

Retirement Goal: With disciplined investing and proper guidance, your Rs. 5 crore retirement goal is within reach. Ensure that your portfolio remains aligned with your financial objectives and risk tolerance over the years.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10854 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Dec 14, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025Hindi
Career
Hello, I am currently in Class 12 and preparing for JEE. I have not yet completed even 50% of the syllabus properly, but I aim to score around '110' marks. Could you suggest an effective strategy to achieve this? I know the target is relatively low, but I have category reservation, so it should be sufficient.
Ans: With category reservation (SC/ST/OBC), a score of 110 marks is absolutely achievable and realistic. Based on 2025 data, SC candidates qualified with approximately 60-65 percentile, and ST candidates with 45-55 percentile. Your target requires scoring just 37-40% marks, which is significantly lower than general category standards. This gives you a genuine advantage. Immediate Action Plan (December 2025 - January 2026): 4-5 Weeks. Week 1-2: High-Weightage Chapter Focus. Stop trying to complete the entire syllabus. Instead, focus exclusively on high-scoring chapters that carry maximum weightage: Physics (Modern Physics, Current Electricity, Work-Power-Energy, Rotation, Magnetism), Chemistry (Chemical Bonding, Thermodynamics, Coordination Compounds, Electrochemistry), and Maths (Integration, Differentiation, Vectors, 3D Geometry, Probability). These chapters alone can yield 80-100+ marks if practiced properly. Ignore topics you haven't studied yet. Week 2-3: Previous Year Questions (PYQs). Solve JEE Main PYQs from the last 10 years (2015-2025) for chapters you're studying. PYQs reveal question patterns and difficulty levels. Focus on understanding why answers are correct, not memorizing solutions. Week 3-4: Mock Tests & Error Analysis. Take 2-3 full-length mock tests weekly under timed conditions. This is crucial because mock tests build exam confidence, reveal time management weaknesses, and error analysis prevents repeated mistakes. Maintain an error notebook documenting every mistake—this becomes your revision guide. Week 4-5: Revision & Formula Consolidation. Create concise formula sheets for each subject. Spend 30 minutes daily reviewing formulas and key concepts. Avoid learning new topics entirely at this stage. Study Schedule (Daily): 7-8 Hours. Morning (5:00-7:30 AM): Physics concepts + 30 PYQs. Break (7:30-8:30 AM): Breakfast & rest. Mid-morning (8:30-11:00): Chemistry concepts + 20 PYQs. Lunch (11:00-1:00 PM): Full break. Afternoon (1:00-3:30 PM): Maths concepts + 30 PYQs. Evening (3:30-5:00 PM): Mock test or error review. Night (7:00-9:00 PM): Formula revision & weak area focus. Strategic Approach for 110 Marks: Attempt only confident questions and avoid negative marking by skipping difficult questions. Do easy questions first—in the exam, attempt all basic-level questions before attempting medium or hard ones. Focus on quality over quantity as 30 well-practiced questions beat 100 random questions. Master NCERT concepts as most JEE questions test NCERT concepts applied smartly. April 2026 Session Advantage. If January doesn't deliver desired results, April gives you a second chance with 3+ months to prepare. Use January as a practice attempt to identify weak areas, then focus intensively on those in February-March. Realistic Timeline: January 2026 target is 95-110 marks (achievable with focused 50% syllabus), while April 2026 target is 120-130 marks (with complete syllabus + experience). Your reservation benefit means you need only approximately 90-105 marks to qualify and secure admission to quality engineering colleges. Stop comparing yourself to general category cutoffs. Most Importantly: Consistency beats perfection. Study 6 focused hours daily rather than 12 distracted hours. Your 110-mark target is realistic—execute this plan with discipline. All the BEST for Your JEE 2026!

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Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1841 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025
Career
Dear Sir/Madam, I am currently a 1st year UG student studying engineering in Sairam Engineering College, But there the lack of exposure and strict academics feels so rigid and I don't like it that. It's like they don't gaf about skills but just wants us to memorize things and score a good CGPA, the only skill they want is you to memorize things and pass, there's even special class for students who don't perform well in academics and it is compulsory for them to attend or else the student and his/her parents needs to face authorities who lashes out. My question is when did engineering became something that requires good academics instead of actual learning and skill set. In sairam they provides us a coding platform in which we need to gain the required points for each semester which is ridiculous cuz most of the students here just look at the solution to code instead of actual debugging. I am passionate about engineering so I want to learn and experiment things instead of just memorizing, so I actually consider dropping out and I want to give jee a try and maybe viteee , srmjeee But i heard some people say SRM may provide exposure but not that good in placements. I may not be excellent at studies but my marks are decent. So gimme some insights about SRM and recommend me other colleges/universities which are good at exposure
Ans: First — your frustration is valid

What you are experiencing at Sairam is not engineering, it is rote-based credential production.

“When did engineering become memorizing instead of learning?”

Sadly, this shift happened decades ago in most Tier-3 private colleges in India.

About “coding platforms & points” – your observation is sharp

You are absolutely right:

Mandatory coding points → students copy solutions

Copying ≠ learning

Debugging & thinking are missing

This is pseudo-skill education — it looks modern but produces shallow engineers.

The fact that you noticed this in 1st year already puts you ahead of 80% students.

Should you DROP OUT and prepare for JEE / VITEEE / SRMJEEE?

Although VIT/SRM is better than Sairam Engineering College, but you may face the same problem. You will not face this type of problem only in some top IITs, but getting seat in those IITs will be difficult.
Instead of dropping immediately, consider:

???? Strategy:

Stay enrolled (degree security)

Reduce emotional investment in college rules

Use:

GitHub

Open-source projects

Hackathons

Internships (remote)

Hardware / software self-projects

This way:

College = formality

Learning = self-driven

Risk = minimal

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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